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Psychology

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Psychology

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Objective. The current study examined whether (1) higher moral disengagement scores would be positively correlated with higher frequencies of engaging in cyberbullying, (2) positive attitude scores would be positively correlated with higher frequencies of engaging in cyberbullying, and (3) positive attitudes towards cyberbullying would mediate links between moral disengagement and frequency of engaging in cyberbullying.

A large, positive correlation was found between self-reported cyberbullying behavior in college students and the optimal linear combination of predictors (R = .462, p < .001), such that as self-reported cyberbullying behaviors increased, so did positive attitudes towards cyberbullying and moral disengagement.

Implications. While previous research has shown moral disengagement to be a potential factor in reasons for cyberbullying perpetration behaviors, the current study found that moral disengagement required positive attitudes toward cyberbullying in order to evoke higher rates of cyberbullying. As there is relatively little research examining the relationship between cyberbullying behaviors, moral disengagement, and positive attitudes towards cyberbullying, future research would do well to further investigate these links. Concerning educational bullying prevention and awareness programs, program developers are advised to target attitude change and to include information regarding moral disengagement and its potentially harmful effects.

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Apr 1st, 2:00 PMApr 1st, 3:00 PM

Positive Attitudes as a Mediator Between Moral Disengagement and Cyberbullying Behaviors

Waves Cafeteria

Objective. The current study examined whether (1) higher moral disengagement scores would be positively correlated with higher frequencies of engaging in cyberbullying, (2) positive attitude scores would be positively correlated with higher frequencies of engaging in cyberbullying, and (3) positive attitudes towards cyberbullying would mediate links between moral disengagement and frequency of engaging in cyberbullying.

A large, positive correlation was found between self-reported cyberbullying behavior in college students and the optimal linear combination of predictors (R = .462, p < .001), such that as self-reported cyberbullying behaviors increased, so did positive attitudes towards cyberbullying and moral disengagement.

Implications. While previous research has shown moral disengagement to be a potential factor in reasons for cyberbullying perpetration behaviors, the current study found that moral disengagement required positive attitudes toward cyberbullying in order to evoke higher rates of cyberbullying. As there is relatively little research examining the relationship between cyberbullying behaviors, moral disengagement, and positive attitudes towards cyberbullying, future research would do well to further investigate these links. Concerning educational bullying prevention and awareness programs, program developers are advised to target attitude change and to include information regarding moral disengagement and its potentially harmful effects.